As residents, we have a unique opportunity to shape the future of our community. The question is, how do we want to see our Town evolve?

Development projects can bring both benefits and challenges. They can create jobs, enhance local amenities, and boost the economy. However, they can also lead to increased traffic, environmental concerns, and a shift in the town's character. Currently, the Town Council has sole and total authority over most major project decisions, whether using Town funds to build or rezoning to allow others to develop new commercial ventures.

Voters in Colorado imposed limits on major funding by local governments with the passage of the Constitutional TABOR limits in the 1990s. While there are valid complaints about TABOR being far too restrictive in certain areas, the requirement of voter approval for "long-term" debt is not one of those areas. Such voter approval makes sense, especially in small towns like Telluride, where every development is very noticeable.

A Short History of TABOR

However, shortly after TABOR was passed, the courts allowed a loophole in the voter approval when the bonds used to finance a project are entirely paid back from funds derived from the project itself, and NOT against the municipal general fund. Under this loophole, the Town of Telluride is free to finance unlimited funds, provided that lenders only look to repossess the developed property in the event of default.

While this loophole may or may not comply with the letter or spirit of TABOR, it effectively silences the voice of the voters of Telluride when large sums of money are both paid and financed by the Town. From the Town's perspective, this is a feature of the loophole, not a bug. The lack of voter approval necessary for essentially any project that does not directly raise taxes thereby exempts it from voter oversight. It places the decision entirely within the control of the Town Council.

Telluride has an annual budget of over $100 million per year, which works out to approximately $40,000 per resident of Telluride. This is a phenomenal amount of money that can be spent by the Town Council with no voter involvement.

The Purpose of This Home Rule Amendment

We believe that allowing the Town Council to entirely bypass voter approval of major projects, simply with tricks of financing that violate at least the spirit of TABOR, is a bad idea. While voters have no interest or need to weigh in on every decision of the Town Council, there needs to be some trigger level appropriate for voter review.

This proposed rule strikes such a balance by requiring voter approval for Town-paid projects over $10 million and rezoning to allow commercial uses that will exceed $20 million in costs. It also applies when Town water will be supplied to larger developments outside of the Town's borders.

Your support for this ballot measure is crucial for fostering positive change in our community. By voting in favor, you are not only endorsing initiatives that promote good growth and sustainability but also ensuring that our collective voice is heard.

Why This Matters

The decisions made by the Town Council impact our daily lives. From the roads we drive on to the parks we enjoy, every choice shapes our community. I often think about how a single development can change the landscape of Telluride. It’s not just about buildings; it’s about preserving the essence of our town.

Imagine a new commercial project that brings jobs but also increases traffic congestion. Or consider a development that enhances our local amenities but disrupts the natural beauty we cherish. These are not just abstract concepts; they are real scenarios that we face as residents.

The Role of Residents

As residents, we must engage in these discussions. It’s easy to feel disconnected from the decision-making process, especially when it seems like the Town Council holds all the power. However, we can change that narrative. By advocating for our right to vote on significant projects, we reclaim our voice.

We need to ask ourselves: What kind of community do we want to live in? Do we want to be passive observers, or do we want to actively participate in shaping our future? The choice is ours.

Moving Forward Together

This Home Rule Amendment is not just a policy change; it’s a movement towards greater transparency and accountability. It empowers us, the residents, to have a say in the developments that affect our lives.

Let’s come together to support this initiative. By doing so, we ensure that our community remains a place where everyone’s voice matters. Together, we can create a Telluride that reflects our values and vision for the future.

In conclusion, I urge you to consider the implications of allowing the Town Council to make significant decisions without our input. Let’s advocate for a system that respects our right to vote on projects that will shape our community for years to come. Your vote is your voice—let it be heard!